Ventilable Portable Structure Assembly

ABSTRACT

A ventilable portable structure arrangement is transformable between a collapsed state and an erected state. The assembly comprises a first portion ( 102 ) of foldable material arranged to define, when in the erected state, an interior chamber ( 106 ). A second portion ( 104 ) of foldable material is also provided and arranged to define, when in the erected state, a thermal chimney having an inlet ( 116 ) at one end thereof and an outlet ( 118 ) at another end thereof. The first and second portions ( 102, 104 ) are arranged so as to permit, when in the erected state, flow of air through the interior chamber ( 106 ) into the thermal chimney via the inlet ( 116 ) in response to heating of air substantially passing through the thermal chimney, the air entering the thermal chimney being expelled from the thermal chimney via the outlet ( 118 ).

The present invention relates to a ventilable portable structure of thetype that, for example, is used as a temporary shelter for anindividual, such as a camper.

In the field of tent design, it is desirable to cool an interior of atent, particularly where the tent is suitable for use in hot climates.In this respect, it is known to provide a tent with a vent in an attemptto permit air in the tent to circulate and change. However, the use ofthe vent fails to achieve a sufficient degree of air circulation whenthere is no breeze or wind external to the tent. Consequently, occupantsof the tent endure discomfort in hot weather conditions.

A similar kind of problem exists in some countries where it is desirableto sleep in a space bounded by a “mosquito net” in order to protect aninhabitant within the space from insect bites, particularly mosquitobites. Unfortunately, the presence of the mosquito net serves to impedeairflow within the space it bounds and so air moving in a room in whichthe mosquito net is deployed is not enjoyed within the space, causingthe inhabitant to feel hot and uncomfortable. As a result of thissub-optimal cooling within the space, it has been known for theinhabitant to open the mosquito net or even completely remove theprotection of the mosquito net, thereby exposing the inhabitant tomosquitoes and other biting insects and also to disease, for example, inthe event that mosquitoes in the locality are carrying malariaparasites.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provideda ventilable portable structure assembly transformable between acollapsed state and an erected state, the assembly comprising a firstportion of foldable material arranged to define, when in the erectedstate, an interior chamber and a second portion of foldable materialarranged to define, when in the erected state, a thermal chimney havingan inlet at one end thereof and an outlet at another end thereof;wherein the first and second portions are arranged so as to permit, whenin the erected state, flow of air through the interior chamber into thethermal chimney via the inlet in response to heating of airsubstantially passing through the thermal chimney, the air entering thethermal chimney being expelled from the thermal chimney via the outlet.

A proportion of the air entering the thermal chimney via the inlet maybe heated prior to entering the thermal chimney. The thermal chimney maycomprise a conduit joining the inlet to the outlet.

The second portion may be further arranged to define an insulating spaceadjacent the conduit. The insulating space may substantially surroundthe conduit. The insulating space may be thermally coupled to theconduit.

The conduit may be arranged to conduct heat. The conduit may be formedfrom a heat-conducting material or coated with a heat conductingmaterial. For example, the exterior of the conduit may comprise apigment conducive to conduction of heat, such as a black colour.

The insulating space may be inflatable. The insulating space may befilled with a gas.

The insulating space may be peripherally bounded by a layer ofsubstantially unidirectionally heat-transmissive material. The layer ofsubstantially unidirectionally heat-transmissive material may allow heatto pass therethrough toward the conduit and impede escape of heat fromthe insulating space though the layer of substantially unidirectionallyheat-transmissive material.

The interior chamber may have a ventilation inlet. The ventilation inletmay be disposed, when in the erected state, towards a lowermost part ofthe first portion.

The interior chamber may comprise a further chamber therein. The furtherchamber may be used for habitation therein. The further chamber may beformed from foldable material.

The further chamber may comprise a first reticulated region. The firstreticulated region may be disposed opposite the ventilation inlet.

The foldable material forming the further chamber may be reticulated atleast in part.

The further chamber may comprise a second reticulated region forpreventing ingress of an insect into the further chamber. The secondreticulated region may serve as a further outlet to permit air flowthrough the further chamber.

The assembly as may further comprise a throttle disposed opposite andproximal to the inlet of the thermal chimney.

The assembly may further comprise a throttle disposed opposite andproximal to the ventilation inlet of the interior chamber.

The throttle may be arranged to control flow of air into the thermalchimney. The throttle may be formed from a portion of flexible materialcapable of at least partially covering the inlet of the thermal chimneyor the ventilation inlet. The flexible material may be hinged withrespect to an internal surface of the interior chamber. A degree ofobstruction to air by the throttle relative to the inlet of the thermalchimney or the ventilation inlet may be adjustable.

The assembly may further comprise a heating device disposed adjacent thethermal chimney.

The assembly may further comprise a seat for receiving the heatingdevice proximally opposite the inlet of the thermal chimney.

The heating device may additionally or alternatively be disposedsubstantially around a longitudinal portion of the thermal chimney.

The throttle and a wall of the further chamber may be arranged tocooperate so as to form the seat.

The foldable material forming the first portion may be reticulated atleast in part so as to prevent ingress of an insect into the interiorchamber.

The assembly may further comprise a turbine, the turbine being forgenerating an electric current disposed proximally opposite the inlet ofthe thermal chimney.

The assembly may further comprise a turbine, the turbine being disposedproximally opposite the ventilation inlet.

The first portion formed from foldable material and/or the secondportion formed from foldable material may be arranged to funnel, when inuse, air into the inlet of the thermal chimney.

The first portion formed from foldable material may define the interiorchamber, when in the erected state, so as to have a tapered volume.

The assembly may further comprise an energy converter for convertingelectromagnetic radiation into an electric current.

The electrical energy generated by the energy converter may be used topower the heating device. The energy converter may be a solar panel.

The thermal chimney may be a solar chimney.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provideda tent comprising the ventilable portable structure assembly as setforth above in relation to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provideda mosquito net assembly comprising the ventilable portable structureassembly as set forth above in relation to the first aspect of thepresent invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provideda power generator comprising the ventilable portable structure assemblyas set forth above in relation to the first aspect of the presentinvention.

It is thus possible to provide a portable structure assembly that isventilable, thereby improving comfort within the portable structureassembly when erected. Additionally, it is also possible to ensureventilation and/or maintain a degree of air flow when the thermalchimney is not heated directly by sunlight. In relation to the use ofthe portable structure assembly in relation to prevention of ingress ofinsects, the inhabitant of the erected portable structure assembly isable to maintain comfort without being unnecessarily exposed to healthrisks from biting insects.

At least one embodiment of the invention will now be described, by wayof example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a ventilable portable structureassembly constituting a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another ventilable portable structureassembly constituting a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a further ventilable portable structureassembly constituting a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of yet another ventilable portablestructure assembly constituting a fourth embodiment of the invention;and

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of yet a further ventilable portablestructure assembly constituting a fifth embodiment of the invention.

Throughout the following description identical reference numerals willbe used to identify like parts.

Referring to FIG. 1, a ventilable portable structure assembly, in thisexample constituting a tent 100, comprises a first portion 102 formedfrom a foldable material and a second portion 104 formed from thefoldable material, for example a fabric, such as Mylar®. Although, inthis example Mylar® is employed as the foldable material, the skilledperson will appreciate that any other suitable material or mixture ofsuitable materials can be employed to form the tent 100. For example, itcan be desirable for the material or mixture of material to exhibithydrophobic properties.

The first portion 102 defines an interior chamber 106, the interiorchamber 106 being capable of being used for habitation therein. In thisexample, the first portion 102 is a canopy having a surface 108 that istapered, thereby defining a tapered volume beneath the canopy. In thisexample, the foldable material forming the canopy is heat-reflecting.

The first portion 102 has a number of reticulated ventilation inlets 110disposed, in this example, peripherally, such as circumferentially,about the canopy. However, the skilled person will appreciate that thenumber of ventilation inlets can be provided by simply providing a gapbetween the canopy and a surface 112 upon which the tent is to be sited.Further, the canopy and a ground sheet (not shown) can be integrallyformed or joined due to the presence of the ventilation inlets 110.Alternatively, the canopy can be suspended above the ground sheet so asto leave a space that can serve to replace the need for the ventilationinlets 110.

The second portion 104 is disposed adjacent and above the first portion102. In this example, the first and second portions 102, 104 areremovably connected, though the skilled person will appreciate that thefirst and second portions 102, 104 can be integrally formed. The secondportion 104 defines a thermal chimney, for example a solar chimney. Thethermal chimney comprises a conduit 114 that fluidly connects an inlet116 to an outlet 118. The conduit 114 constitutes a flue. The firstportion 102 and/or the second portion 104 is/are shaped to provide afunnel from the interior chamber 106 to the inlet 116 of the thermalchimney. In this example, a tapered region 120 is provided to serve asthe funnel.

The conduit 114 is surrounded by an insulating space 122 and thermallycoupled thereto, the insulating space 122 being defined by an outerlayer 124 of, in this example, foldable material. The outer layer 124and the insulating space 122 can be provided by a void space that isinflatable. In this regard, any suitable gas can be used to inflate thevoid space so as to provide thermal insulation, for example argon orcarbon dioxide. In this example, the insulating space 122 is shaped toabut the conduit 114 and the outer layer 124 is shaped so as to bound afrustoconical volume, but the skilled person will appreciate that othershapes can be employed, for example non-cylindrical shapes. An exampleof an alternative conduit shape is a panelled shape, such as one havinga triangular lateral cross section so as to provide structuralresilience. The outer layer 124 is formed from a heat-transmissivematerial in order to permit thermal conduction by the conduit 114. Inthis respect, the conduit 114 is formed from a heat-conducting materialor comprises a layer of heat-conducting material. An exterior surface ofthe conduit 114 can comprise a pigment conducive to conduction of heat,such as a black or other dark pigment. In this example, the outer layer124 is only unidirectionally heat-transmissive so as to trap heat withinthe insulating space 122 and prevent escape of heat from the insulatingspace 122.

In operation, the conduit 114 conducts heat provided by electromagneticradiation incident upon the outer layer 124 and an external surface ofthe conduit 114, thereby causing air within the conduit 114 to increasein temperature. The insulating space 122 maintains, or at least preventsa substantial drop in, the temperature about the conduit 114 caused by,for example, cooling from wind or momentary shading. As a result of theincrease in temperature of the air in the conduit 114, the air travelsup the conduit 114 and is expelled from, or leaves, the conduit 114 viathe outlet 118. In this example, the outlet 118 tapers outwardly fromthe conduit 114 so as to minimise turbulence caused by air leaving theconduit 114 and hence contribute to improved flow rate consistency inthe conduit 114. Further, due to the ability to mitigate externalcooling effects, a greater throughput of air in respect of the conduit114 can be achieved.

In response to the air travelling up the conduit 114, more air is drawninto the conduit 114 via the inlet 116 from the interior chamber 106 inorder to replace the air that has been expelled from the conduit 114.The air from the interior chamber 106 that enters the conduit 114 viathe inlet 116 is replaced by air drawn into the interior chamber 106 viathe one or more ventilation inlets 110. Consequently, a flow of air isestablished through the interior chamber 106.

The rate of flow of air through the interior chamber 106 is governed bya number of factors. For example, the temperature of the air in theconduit 114 affects the flow rate as does the cross-sectional area ofthe conduit 114 and/or the length of the conduit 114. In this example,the conduit has a diameter of about 0.1 m and a height between about 1.5m and about 1.8 m.

Turning to FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the interior chamber 106 houses afurther chamber formed from a foldable material. The further chamberconstitutes, in this example, a habitation chamber 200.

The habitation chamber 200 comprises a first region 202 that isreticulated and a second region 204 that is also reticulated. Of course,the skilled person will appreciate that the whole or most of thefoldable material forming the habitation chamber 200 can be reticulated.

The first reticulated region 202 serves as a ventilation inlet for thehabitation chamber 200 and the second reticulated region 204 serves as aventilation outlet for the habitation chamber 200. The habitationchamber 200 can be provided with any suitable mechanism to allow entryinto the habitation chamber 200, for example a closable flap (notshown). The first and second reticulated regions 202, 204 also preventingress of insects into the habitation chamber 200 whilst permitting airflow therethrough.

A throttle 206 is provided, in this example hingeably attached, to thefirst portion 102 and is provided as a flap that is selectablyorientatable with respect to the inlet 116 of the thermal chimney. Theflap can be held or rolled back from the inlet 116 as desired by afastener arrangement (not shown). Likewise, the flap can be positionedwith respect to the inlet 116 in order to impede or block flow of airinto the inlet 116 to varying degrees using the fastener arrangement.The flap can be used to divert flow of the air in the interior chamber106. If desired, the throttle 206 can be alternatively disposed oppositeand close to the one or more ventilation inlets 110.

The use of the throttle 206 is particularly beneficial in cold orfreezing conditions where the thermal chimney can be opened, for examplewhen cooking to expel excess heat and fumes and/or prevent moistureforming and possibly freezing on internal surfaces of the interiorchamber 106, and subsequently closed.

In operation, air is drawn up the conduit 104 of the thermal chimney inthe manner already described above in relation to the first example.However, air drawn into the interior chamber 106 via at least one of thenumber of ventilation inlets 110 flows into the habitation chamber 200via the first reticulated region 202 and out of the habitation chamber200 via the second reticulated region 204, resulting in a flow of airthrough the habitation chamber. Some of the air flowing through thehabitation chamber is funneled into the inlet 116 of the conduit 114.Other air entering the interior chamber 106 via the ventilation inlets110, but not passing through the habitation chamber 200, also flows outof the interior chamber 106 via the conduit 114.

In order to control the amount of air that flows into the inlet 116 ofthe conduit 114 and is hence expelled via the outlet 118, the throttle206 is used to restrict or increase access of air flow to the inlet 116of the conduit 114, thereby controlling the flow of air through thefirst portion 102.

Turning to FIG. 3, in another embodiment, a heating device 300 isdisposed, in this example, at the mouth of the tapered region 120opposite the inlet 116. In this example, the heating device 300 is anelectric heating device. However, although an electric heating device isdescribed here, the skilled person will appreciate that other types ofheating device can be employed, for example a spirit burner. The heatingdevice 300 can, if desired, be woven into or integrally formed with orsimply surround a longitudinal portion of the conduit 114, for exampleelectrical heating elements.

An upper surface 304 of the habitation chamber 200 and the throttle 206are arranged to cooperate so as to provide a seat 302 for siting theheating device 300. As the throttle 206 is being used to provide, atleast in part, the seat 302, and the throttle 206 by its very natureresists air flow, the upper surface 304 is reticulated at least in partto permit flow of air in the habitation chamber 200 to the inlet 116 ofthe conduit 114.

In operation, the ventilation effect achieved through use of the thermalchimney is similar to that described in relation to previousembodiments. In this respect, air entering the conduit 114 via the inlet116 is heated prior to entering and/or whilst travelling along theconduit 114. The movement of air up the conduit 114 serves to draw moreair through the interior chamber 106 from the ventilation inlets 110 andthrough the habitation chamber 200. However, since the throttle 206 isbeing used to provide, at least part of, the seat 302, the air 306 drawninto the interior chamber 106 that does not enter the habitation chamber200 via the first reticulated region 202 is drawn to the inlet 116 viathe second reticulated region 204 and the third reticulated uppersurface 304. Of course, the skilled person will appreciate that thefunction of the seat 302 can be provided by an alternative arrangement,for example a suspended cradle arrangement (not shown).

Of course, if the throttle 206 is not required, the throttle can bereplaced by a flap of reticulated material to increase air flow to theinlet 116 of the conduit 114.

By providing the heating device 300 in the manner described above, airflow through the first portion 102 can be achieved even when the conduit114 is not exposed to heat generated by the sun. This is particularlyuseful on hot, but overcast, days or during the night. If desired, anenergy converter or an electric current generator (not shown), forexample a solar panel can be provided on one or more exterior surfacesof the tent 100 in order to power the heating device 300. The presenceof the solar panel or the like can sometimes also serve to reflect heat.Hence, if a sufficiently large external surface area of the firstportion 102 is covered with one or more panels, additional mitigation fheating of the interior chamber 106 can be achieved. If desired, theelectric energy generated by day can be stored for subsequent use by theheating device 300 by, for example, providing a charging circuit and abattery.

In a fourth embodiment (FIG. 4), the first portion 102 is at leastpartially reticulated and the habitation chamber of the previousembodiments is absent. In this respect, the first portion 102 is, inthis example, sufficiently reticulated to serve as a mosquito net orother barrier to ingress of insects. The first portion 102 continues todefine the interior chamber 106, which is fit for habitation therein.Indeed, the first portion 102 can be disposed over a place to sleep orrest, for example a bed 402. As a result of the reticulated nature ofthe first portion 102, it is not necessary to provide the ventilationinlets 110 described in relation to the previous embodiments.

In this example, an at least partially reticulated layer 400 of materialis provided to serve as the seat 302 for the heating device 300.Although the at least partially reticulated layer 400 of material isfoldable herein, the skilled person will appreciate that less flexiblematerials can be employed.

In operation, air is drawn into the conduit 114 via the inlet 116thereof as a result of heating the air close to the inlet 116 oractually in the conduit 114. The air drawn up the conduit 114 is againdrawn from the interior chamber 106, resulting in air being drawn intothe interior chamber 106 via through the reticulations of the firstportion 102.

Referring to FIG. 5, in a fifth embodiment, the interior chamber 106 ofthe first embodiment is not necessarily used as a place of rest ofhabitation, but rather can simply be used to provide a volume of movingair. In this respect, a turbine 500 is disposed opposite the inlet 116of the conduit 114 and is coupled to a device (not shown) to be powered.Hence it can be seen that, in this example, the ventilable portablestructure assembly is being used as a part of a power generatorarrangement.

Of course, if required, the turbine 500 can be coupled to electroniccircuitry to condition the electric current generated and, if desired,store the power generated in a battery.

In operation, air is once again drawn into the conduit 114 via the inlet116 thereof, the air being drawn from the interior chamber 106. The airin the interior chamber 106 is replaced by air drawn into the interiorchamber 106 from the exterior of the first portion 102 via at least oneof the number of ventilation inlets 110. Consequently, an air flowthrough the interior chamber 106 results, the air flowing through theturbine 500 and causing the turbine 500 to rotate. Rotation of theturbine 500 results in the generation of the electric current describedabove.

In the above examples, the ventilable portable structure assemblies areinitially in a collapsed state, but transformable into an erected state.For the avoidance of doubt, the above examples have been described whenthe structure assemblies are in the erected state.

Whilst, in the above examples, the structure of the first and secondportions 102, 104 is described with reference to a particular shape, theskilled person will appreciate that other shapes can be employed ifdesired and where structural integrity considerations permit.

Although not described herein, it should be understood that alternativesto the inflatable insulating space 122 can be employed. For example,fabric or other suitable material bounding the insulation space 122and/or the conduit 114 can be suspended from one or more rings attachedto and/or suspended from a central pole. Alternatively or additionally,a helical wire frame can be employed to support the second portion 104.

1. A ventilable portable structure assembly transformable between acollapsed state and an erected state, the assembly comprising: a firstportion of foldable material arranged to define, when in the erectedstate, an interior chamber; and a second portion of foldable materialarranged to define, when in the erected state, a thermal chimney havingan inlet at one end thereof and an outlet at another end thereof;wherein the first and second portions are arranged so as to permit, whenin the erected state, flow of air through the interior chamber into thethermal chimney via the inlet in response to heating of airsubstantially passing through the thermal chimney, the air entering thethermal chimney being expelled from the thermal chimney via the outlet.2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a proportion of the airentering the thermal chimney via the inlet is heated prior to enteringthe thermal chimney.
 3. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein thethermal chimney comprises a conduit joining the inlet to the outlet. 4.An assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second portion is furtherarranged to define an insulating space adjacent the conduit.
 5. Anassembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the conduit arranged to conductheat.
 6. An assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the insulating spaceis inflatable.
 7. An assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein theinsulating space is filled with a gas.
 8. An assembly as claimed claim4, wherein the insulating space is peripherally bounded by a layer ofsubstantially unidirectional heat-transmissive material.
 9. An assemblyas claimed claim 1, wherein the interior chamber has a ventilationinlet.
 10. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interiorchamber comprises a further chamber therein.
 11. An assembly as claimedin claim 10, wherein the further chamber comprises a first reticulatedregion.
 12. An assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the firstreticulated region is disposed opposite the ventilation inlet.
 13. Anassembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the further chamber comprises asecond reticulated region for preventing ingress of an insect into thefurther chamber.
 14. An assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein thesecond reticulated region serves as a further outlet to permit air flowthrough the further chamber.
 15. An assembly as claimed in claim 1,further comprising a throttle disposed opposite and proximal to theinlet of the thermal chimney.
 16. An assembly as claimed in claim 1,further comprising a throttle disposed opposite and proximal to theventilation inlet of the interior chamber.
 17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)19. (canceled)
 20. (canceled)
 21. (canceled)
 22. (canceled) 23.(canceled)
 24. (canceled)
 25. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe first portion formed from foldable material defines the interiorchamber, when in the erected state, so as to have a tapered volume. 26.(canceled)
 27. (canceled)
 28. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe thermal chimney is a solar chimney.
 29. A tent comprising theventilable portable structure assembly as claimed in claim
 1. 30. Amosquito net assembly comprising the ventilable portable structureassembly as claimed in claim
 1. 31. (canceled)
 32. (canceled)